Review Slingshot Rally 2011

Kite

A SLE freestyle/freeride kite which is also suitable for the waves. A wave allrounder.

Designer Goals

Using the experience gained from the Fuel (C-Shape) and the RPM (SLE kite) Slingshot designed a new Delta kite called the Rally. The Rally is the first open delta C-kite combining the advantages of a Delta with the performance of a C-Shape. Slingshot developed this kite for freestylers/freeriders who like to ride waves. The Rally is a pulley free briddle, three strut kite which gives the rider a direct kite feel. The struts are integrated into the canopy using the well known Slingshot Splitstrut system >According to the designers this gives the kite extra stability and a more rigid frame.

Bar

Video of the Rally 2011

Details:

Riding type:

Freeride/Wave

Year:

2011

Brand:

Slingshot

Size:

04m, 06m, 08m, 10m, 12m, 14m

Type:

Delta

One pump:

Yes

Bridles:

No

Number of struts:

3

Colours:

Various

Line length:

depends on kite size

Bar length:

43cm

Bar:

4 lines

Depower:

Clamcleat

Safety:

Pull

Swivel:

Yes

Variable bar length:

No

Oh shit handles:

Yes

Who is the kite meant for

Slingshot designed a crossover kite for freestylers and freeriders that enjoy riding in waves. Using the experience gained from the Fuel (C-Shape) and the RPM (SLE kite) Slingshot designed a new Delta kite called the Rally. The Rally is the first open delta C-kite combining the advantages of a Delta with the performance of a C-Shape.

Off the water

The first thing you notice when pumping the Rally is the open Dalta shape.

The Rally has three struts that are integrated into the canopy (Splitstrut)

Even though the Rally has an open shape and only three struts the kite has an extremely rigid frame. The Rally has a one-pump system and is reinforced where the kite wears the most. The bulging middle strut and the short wingtips are also notable.

On the water

Once on the water the small turning circle and direct reaction to commands is noticeable. Bar action results in direct action from the kite. The steering pressure is low and the power buildup gradual. the Rally gives a lot of feedback to the bar through the steering lines and power/de-power commands are felt instantaneous.Fully de-powered the Rally's reaction to steering commands decreases, particularly in its low-end. In the high end the reaction is always good and one of the strong points of this kite.The pop of the Rally is fairly explosive, both hooked-in and un-hooked. The boost, on the other hand, is more gradual and is distributed over the turning circle. The basics like re-launch, stability and safety are fine and get a good score.

Conclusion

When grading the kite the Rally got a high score on many characteristics. The Rally gets good scores on the characteristics that make it suitable for freeriders, freestylers and wave riders. Personally I am very impressed by the wave characteristics of the Rally.

This crossover kite with the splitstrut and the distinct shape is a success. Easy to handle, light bar pressure, good feedback, quick reaction to commands and easy power control.

For freestylers the Rally offers good pop and boost. The sweetspot requires some technique, but due to the light bar pressure the Rally is very suitable for unhooked tricks.

Riders that like to go out into the swell will love the Rally. It reacts quickly, it always gives you feedback, builds up power gradually and provides you with small turning circles anywhere in the wind-window.

If you are looking for a allround kite with good wave-characteristics you should give the 2011 Slingshot Rally a try!

Kite benchmark slingshot Rally 2011

Basics

Total depower

Still pressureTotal depower

When overpowered the kite keeps some pressure when fully depowered

Safety system

DifficultEasy

Windrange

LimitedWide

Kite stability

UnstableStable

Kite re-launch

DifficultEasy

Just pull one of the steering lines and the kite will turn over ready to re-launch

Boost (kite in loop)

Bar pressure

Wave

Steering with low line tension

Could be better for a wave kite, but in it's high end this is not a problem.

Feedback at edge of wind window

MinimalGreat

The rally always gives feedback through the steering lines, in turns and in flight-lines.

Turning circle

Large radiusSmall radius

Can be very small, depends on the command. Pressure remains in the turn.

Reaction to steering action

SlowFast

Very direct!

Race

Going upwind

HardEasy

Kiteposition in wind-window

MiddleEdge

Acceleration

SlowFast

Maximum speed

DifficultEasy

There are 6 reviews on this product:

Slingshot Rally 2011

Name:

Glen

kitefinder.com - 21.01.2011 at 10:27 hour

Comments:

Andrey
It depends where and from whom you buy. Buy from a
shop in Sweden and its alot. Buy direct from
importers in some countries then its low. $1700 is
RRP for a 12m but it's possible to order and get
deals. ie, Philippines. Thailand, Dubai etc. Europe
and US are more expsensive.

Replys to this review

The left side is the manufacturer specifications.
But you got a good point there!
We change it because we good other questions about
that. A good reviewed wave kite should be show when
pressed on the wave button.